Multi-connectivity based vehicle-to-everything communications in a wireless network

ABSTRACT

The described technology is generally directed towards a multi-connectivity (three or more simultaneous communication links) framework in a wireless communication network, including aspects and components that support the operation of New Radio vehicle-to-everything (V2X) services. Aspects of the framework include initial access and V2X establishment, local manager selection, sidelink and cellular resource configuration, mobility and measurements (and reporting), group communication and vehicular platooning support, and V2X configuration and local manager association.

RELATED APPLICATION

The subject patent application is a continuation of, and claims priorityto, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/100,650, filed Aug. 10, 2018,and entitled “MULTI-CONNECTIVITY BASED VEHICLE-TO-EVERYTHINGCOMMUNICATIONS IN A WIRELESS NETWORK,” the entirety of which applicationis hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject application is related to wireless communication systems,and, for example, to vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, usingmulti-connectivity, in a wireless network.

BACKGROUND

Dual connectivity in wireless communication systems generally refers tocommunicating control plane functions over LTE and managing the dataplane over New Radio (NR, sometimes referred to as 5G). This providesfor simplified early NR deployments, where device support for both LTEand NR is expected.

When the control plane is provided over LTE, more robust signaling isoften possible, relative to NR operation on millimeter wave (mmWave)bands where radio link outage events tend to occur. Notwithstanding,future deployments may migrate to standalone NR operation as well, wherecontrol plane information is also sent over NR.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology described herein is illustrated by way of example and notlimited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numeralsindicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system showing anexample of a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) deployment withmulti-connectivity, in accordance with various aspects andimplementations of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates various example aspects of a framework formulti-connectivity in V2X communications, in accordance with variousaspects and implementations of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates various example aspects and components related toinitial access and V2X establishment for multi-connectivitycommunications, in accordance with various aspects and implementationsof the subject disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates various example aspects and components related tolocal manager selection for V2X multi-connectivity communications, inaccordance with various aspects and implementations of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates various example aspects and components related toradio resource configuration for V2X multi-connectivity communications,in accordance with various aspects and implementations of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates various example aspects and components related tomobility and measurements for V2X multi-connectivity communications, inaccordance with various aspects and implementations of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates various example aspects and components related togroup communication and vehicular platooning support for V2Xmulti-connectivity communications, in accordance with various aspectsand implementations of the subject disclosure

FIG. 8 illustrates various example aspects and components related to v2xconfiguration and local manager association in accordance with variousaspects and implementations of the subject disclosure

FIG. 9 illustrates an example flow diagram of network device operations,in accordance with various aspects and implementations of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example block diagram illustrating exampleoperations of a V2X multi-connectivity user equipment, in accordancewith various aspects and implementations of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example flow diagram of network deviceoperations, e.g., embodied as instructions executable by a processor, inaccordance with various aspects and implementations of the subjectdisclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example block diagram of an example mobilehandset operable to engage in a system architecture that facilitateswireless communications according to one or more embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example block diagram of an example computeroperable to engage in a system architecture that facilitates wirelesscommunications according to one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Briefly, one or more aspects of the technology described herein aregenerally directed towards a multi-connectivity framework that supportsthe operation of New Radio (NR, sometimes referred to as 5G)vehicle-to-everything (V2X) services. As will be understood, thetechnology allows seamless integration of V2X user equipment (UEs) withnetwork assistance by supporting control and mobility functionality oncellular links (e.g. LTE or NR), which provides benefits of robustness,reduced overhead, and global resource management, while facilitatingdirect communication links via NR sidelink.

Aspects of the technology comprise performing initial access from a userequipment (UE) to the network, radio resource control (RRC) operations,radio resource management (RRM) operations, and radio link monitoring(RLM) operations for V2X. As will be understood, the usemulti-connectivity (where “multi-connectivity” refers to three or moresimultaneous or generally simultaneous communication links) supports theoperation of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) services, where mobility andcommunication robustness requirements can be relatively stringent.

It should be understood that any of the examples and terms used hereinare non-limiting. For instance, while examples are generally directed tonon-standalone operation where the NR backhaul links are operating onmmWave bands and the control plane links are operating on sub-6 GHz LTEbands, it should be understood that it is straightforward to extend thetechnology described herein to scenarios in which the sub-6 GHz anchorcarrier providing control plane functionality could also be based on NR.As such, any of the examples herein are non-limiting examples, any ofthe embodiments, aspects, concepts, structures, functionalities orexamples described herein are non-limiting, and the technology may beused in various ways that provide benefits and advantages in radiocommunications in general.

In some embodiments the non-limiting term “radio network node” or simply“network node,” “radio network device” or simply “network device” isused herein. These terms may be used interchangeably, and refer to anytype of network node that serves a UE and/or connected to other networknode or network element or any radio node from where the UE receives asignal. Examples of radio network nodes are Node B, base station (BS),multi-standard radio (MSR) node such as MSR BS, gNodeB, eNode B, networkcontroller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller(BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station(BTS), access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, RRU,RRH, nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS) etc.

In some embodiments the non-limiting term user equipment (UE) is used.It refers to any type of wireless device that communicates with a radionetwork node in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples ofuser equipment are target device, device to device (D2D) user equipment,machine type user equipment or user equipment capable of machine tomachine (M2M) communication, PDA, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone,laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USBdongles etc.

Some embodiments are described in particular for 5G new radio systems.The embodiments are however applicable to any radio access technology(RAT) or multi-RAT system where the UE operates using multiple carriers,e.g., LTE FDD/TDD, WCMDA/HSPA, GSM/GERAN, Wi Fi, WLAN, WiMax, CDMA2000,etc.

The embodiments are applicable to single carrier as well as tomulticarrier (MC) or carrier aggregation (CA) operation of the UE. Theterm carrier aggregation (CA) is also called (e.g. interchangeablycalled) “multi-carrier system”, “multi-cell operation”, “multi-carrieroperation”, “multi-carrier” transmission and/or reception.

Note that the solutions outlined equally applies for Multi RAB (radiobearers) on some carriers (that is data plus speech is simultaneouslyscheduled).

As is known, instead of having a peer-to-peer mesh network, recentwireless radio technology provides the ability promote a UE (which canbe a special type of UE such as a Vehicle or Road-side Unit) to act aslocal manager for a group of neighboring UEs. A local manager can act arelay node. The local manager can provide access to UEs, and canschedule UEs over a Sidelink interface with radio resources from aresource pool granted by the network, while maintaining a hierarchicalnetwork architecture which can be used in conjunction withinfrastructure-based IAB deployments. Note that it is also known that alocal manager can be elected by other neighboring UEs without networkinvolvement. In one aspect, such a local manager can operate as ascheduling UE as described herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless communication system 100,comprising a V2X multi-connectivity deployment in accordance withvarious aspects and embodiments of the subject technology. In one ormore embodiments, the system 100 can comprise one or more UEs; threesuch UEs 102(1)-102(3) are exemplified in FIG. 1.

In the example of FIG. 1, different links are used to provide controland data communication with the V2X. One such link represents controlplane signaling, comprising an LTE or NR cellular link on a firstfrequency range (FR1) carrier (e.g. sub-6GHz). Another exemplifiedlink(s) is a NR cellular link on a second frequency range (FR2) carrier(e.g. mmWave); yet another exemplified link is a NR direct userequipment communication (sidelink) link on either FR1 or FR2.

As represented in FIG. 1, certain V2X UEs such as the localmanager/mobile relay 102(1) may be capable of acting as mobilerelays/integrated access and backhaul (IAB) nodes, where such a relaynode connects to an IAB node 106 via a cellular link in order to routecellular traffic to/from one or more UEs (which may be inside or outsidecellular coverage) and the core network. Note that the core network isrepresented in FIG. 1 via blocks 108 (network device(s)) and 110(communication service provider network(s)), and may be coupled viaMacro/IAB Donor block 112 that establishes the LTE/NR Cellular: FR1coverage via control plane signaling. The backhaul traffic can becarried on FR1 or FR2, using either cellular or sidelink interfaces tothe UEs. Note that the IAB node 106 can be a roadside unit (RSU) capableof connecting with other UEs (e.g., 102(2)), such as for datacommunication.

In various embodiments, the system 100 is or comprises a wirelesscommunication network serviced by one or more wireless communicationnetwork providers. In example embodiments, a UE (collectively orindividually 102) can be communicatively coupled to the wirelesscommunication network via a network device 104 (e.g., network node). Thenetwork device 108 can communicate (directly or indirectly) with the UE102, thus providing connectivity between the UE and the wider cellularnetwork.

In example implementations, each UE 102 such as the UE 102(1) is able tosend and/or receive communication data via a wireless link to thenetwork device 108. The system 100 can thus include one or morecommunication service provider networks 110 that facilitate providingwireless communication services to various UEs, including UEs102(1)-102(3), via the network device 108 and/or various additionalnetwork devices (as is understood) included in the one or morecommunication service provider networks 110. The one or morecommunication service provider networks 110 can include various types ofdisparate networks, including but not limited to: cellular networks,femto networks, picocell networks, microcell networks, internet protocol(IP) networks Wi-Fi service networks, broadband service network,enterprise networks, cloud based networks, and the like. For example, inat least one implementation, system 100 can be or include a large scalewireless communication network that spans various geographic areas.According to this implementation, the one or more communication serviceprovider networks 106 can be or include the wireless communicationnetwork and/or various additional devices and components of the wirelesscommunication network (e.g., additional network devices and cell,additional UEs, network server devices, etc.).

The network device 108 can be connected to the one or more communicationservice provider networks 110 via one or more backhaul links or thelike. For example, the one or more backhaul links can comprise wiredlink components, such as a T1/E1 phone line, a digital subscriber line(DSL) (e.g., either synchronous or asynchronous), an asymmetric DSL(ADSL), an optical fiber backbone, a coaxial cable, and the like. Theone or more backhaul links 108 can also include wireless linkcomponents, such as but not limited to, line-of-sight (LOS) or non-LOSlinks which can include terrestrial air-interfaces or deep space links(e.g., satellite communication links for navigation).

The wireless communication system 100 can employ various cellularsystems, technologies, and modulation schemes to facilitate wirelessradio communications between devices (e.g., the UE 102 and the networkdevice 108). While example embodiments might be described for 5G newradio (NR) systems, the embodiments can be applicable to any radioaccess technology (RAT) or multi-RAT system where the UE operates usingmultiple carriers e.g. LTE FDD/TDD, GSM/GERAN, CDMA2000 etc. Forexample, the system 100 can operate in accordance with global system formobile communications (GSM), universal mobile telecommunications service(UMTS), long term evolution (LTE), LTE frequency division duplexing (LTEFDD, LTE time division duplexing (TDD), high speed packet access (HSPA),code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband CDMA (WCMDA), CDMA2000,time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access(FDMA), multi-carrier code division multiple access (MC-CDMA),single-carrier code division multiple access (SC-CDMA), single-carrierFDMA (SC-FDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM),discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-spread OFDM) single carrierFDMA (SC-FDMA), Filter bank based multi-carrier (FBMC), zero tailDFT-spread-OFDM (ZT DFT-s-OFDM), generalized frequency divisionmultiplexing (GFDM), fixed mobile convergence (FMC), universal fixedmobile convergence (UFMC), unique word OFDM (UW-OFDM), unique wordDFT-spread OFDM (UW DFT-Spread-OFDM), cyclic prefix OFDM CP-OFDM,resource-block-filtered OFDM, Wi Fi, WLAN, WiMax, and the like. However,various features and functionalities of system 100 are particularlydescribed wherein the devices (e.g., the UEs 102 and the network device108) of system 100 are configured to communicate wireless signals usingone or more multi carrier modulation schemes, wherein data symbols canbe transmitted simultaneously over multiple frequency subcarriers (e.g.,OFDM, CP-OFDM, DFT-spread OFMD, UFMC, FMBC, etc.). The embodiments areapplicable to single carrier as well as to multicarrier (MC) or carrieraggregation (CA) operation of the UE. The term carrier aggregation (CA)is also called (e.g. interchangeably called) “multi-carrier system”,“multi-cell operation”, “multi-carrier operation”, “multi-carrier”transmission and/or reception. Note that some embodiments are alsoapplicable for Multi RAB (radio bearers) on some carriers (that is dataplus speech is simultaneously scheduled).

In various embodiments, the system 100 can be configured to provide andemploy 5G wireless networking features and functionalities. With 5Gnetworks that may use waveforms that split the bandwidth into severalsub bands, different types of services can be accommodated in differentsub bands with the most suitable waveform and numerology, leading toimproved spectrum utilization for 5G networks. Notwithstanding, in themmWave spectrum, the millimeter waves have shorter wavelengths relativeto other communications waves, whereby mmWave signals can experiencesevere path loss, penetration loss, and fading. However, the shorterwavelength at mmWave frequencies also allows more antennas to be packedin the same physical dimension, which allows for large-scale spatialmultiplexing and highly directional beamforming.

As represented in FIG. 1, multiple types of communication traffic can beprovided on the different links. For example, the control planesignaling (e.g. SRB or Signaling Radio Bearer) is provided on FR1, whiledata signaling for cellular-based traffic is provided on a FR2 carrier(e.g. DRB or Data Radio Bearer). The data traffic may be sent by adifferent node relative to that of the control plane signaling, becausemacro nodes may be used for providing basic coverage and mobilitysupport, while a dense deployment of small cells/road-side access pointunits, e.g., 106, can provide higher throughput access, but with smallercoverage regions.

A third communication link type is sidelink, which enables directcommunication between UEs whether they are inside or outside networkcoverage. Sidelink communication can be established between two UEs(e.g., 102(2) and 102(3)) or can be facilitated by a selected type ofV2X UE called a local manager (e.g., 102(1), shown communicating viasidelink with UE 102(3)). A local manager can manage the discovery andlink management of one or more V2X UEs (e.g., members of a group) thatare connected to/associated with the local manager. Additionally, thelocal manager can provide resource allocation/scheduling for directcommunication between one or more V2X UEs and/or provide local breakoutservices by routing traffic for V2X UEs over sidelink, including withoutinvolvement of the cellular network.

Under an existing cellular network framework, a device can only maintaintwo simultaneous connections (i.e. dual-connectivity) between a mastercell group (MCG) and a secondary cell group (SCG), which may or may notcorrespond to fixed co-located base station equipment. In contrast, theV2X multi-connectivity framework described herein enables differentcombinations of links to be supported, depending on the servicesprovided and/or the current radio conditions and UE capabilities. Itshould be noted that other examples (in addition to theabove-exemplified LTE or NR cellular link on a first frequency range(FR1) carrier (e.g. sub-6GHz), NR cellular link on a second frequencyrange (FR2) carrier (e.g. mmWave), and NR sidelink on either FR1 or FR2)are possible, including the following:

-   -   FR1 LTE cellular: control, FR2 NR cellular: data    -   FR1 LTE cellular: control, FR2 sidelink: direct communication    -   FR2 NR cellular: control/data, FR2 sidelink: direct        communication    -   FR1 LTE cellular: control, FR2 NR cellular: data, FR2 sidelink:        direct communication

Turning to various example aspects of a V2X multi-connectivity framework220 (FIG. 2), described herein are examples of V2X operation usingmulti-connectivity, including initial access and V2X establishment (FIG.3), local manager selection (FIG. 4), sidelink and cellular resourceconfiguration (FIG. 5), mobility and measurements (and reporting) (FIG.6), group communication and vehicular platooning support (FIG. 7) andV2X configuration and local manager association (FIG. 8). Note that theframework 220 is extendable to include other aspects and concepts thatsupport V2X multi-connectivity.

With respect to initial access and V2X establishment, in one or moreimplementations generally represented in FIG. 3, undermulti-connectivity, V2X UEs 302(1)-302(n) are connected to the network(block 304) by performing one or more initial access procedures (e.g.,synchronization signal detection and random access procedure) via theMCG (master cell group) (e.g. LTE or sub-6GHz NR carrier, FR1).Thereafter, one or more of the UEs (e.g., 302(2)) are able to access oneor more NR cells (e.g., block 306) via one or more procedures such assecondary node addition.

In one example implementation, the cellular links for control signalingare on a MCG, while cellular data service is provided on a SCG(secondary cell group). Sidelink also may be configured on an additionalSCG from the cellular SCG, or may be configured as a different type ofconnectivity association, such as a V2X cell group (VCG) or sidelinkconnectivity leg (SCL). In one example implementation, the sidelinkconnectivity is established on the MCG or sub6-GHz anchor carrier,without needing additional control signaling over sidelink, except forthe transmission of one or more sidelink discovery reference signals(SL-DRS).

V2X UEs also need a mechanism for performing initial access even if theyare only engaged in direct communication services between V2X UEs oversidelink. In one example, when the sidelink communication takes place onlicensed spectrum, the initial access on the cellular network providessecurity functionality such as user authentication and authorizationbefore the direct communication can proceed.

Moreover, during the connection establishment, one or more V2X UEs(e.g., the V2X UE 302(0) may indicate a request to establish V2Xcommunication and request to act as local manager or mobile IAB relay.The network 304 may accept the request to configure and authorize V2Xcommunication or may reject the request in a temporary or permanentfashion. In this example, the V2X UE 302(0) is authorized to act as alocal manager, at least temporarily. The signaling from the network mayfurther include one or more V2X ID(s) for the UEs such as a radionetwork temporary identifier (RNTI) or sidelink RNTI (SL-RNTI), which ifprovided can be additionally associated with direct, groupcast, andbroadcast communication and/or additional security-related information(e.g. keys or key generators).

Further note that after the cellular network connectivity isestablished, the V2X UE may perform discovery and local managerassociation operations on the sidelink-associated carrier. Example localmanager association operations are described with reference to FIG. 7.

In addition, while initial access and mobility are provided, e.g., bythe sub-6GHz anchor carrier, the connectivity state of the V2X UE (e.g.,CONNECTED, INACTIVE, and IDLE) may or may not be independent for thecellular links and sidelink. For example, in one alternativeimplementation, if the V2X UE does not have any active cellular traffictransmissions a V2X UE (e.g., 302(2)) may transition from a CONNECTEDmode to an INACTIVE or IDLE mode to save power and other resources;however direct communication over sidelink may be ongoing. In onealternative implementation, a V2X UE may continue with the V2Xcommunications (e.g. remaining in a sidelink ACTIVE state); however,that UE may periodically monitor system information such as viabroadcast, paging, and other INACTIVE/IDLE mode transmissions specificto V2X in case of any changes to the configuration. Additionally, a V2XUE may periodically inform the network of V2X related feedback (e.g.,measurements, traffic volume, changes in local manager association orstatus) by either returning to the CONNECTED MODE or by a suitable(e.g., “special”) V2X signaling channel.

In yet another alternative implementation, even while the V2X UE has notraffic (cellular or sidelink) of its own, a V2X UE (e.g., 302(0) canremain in the CONNECTED mode. This alternative may apply only to V2X UEsacting as local managers/mobile IAB relays, because localmanagers/mobile IAB relays need to provide resource allocation/trafficrouting services for V2X UEs even if they do not have any ongoingcommunication associated with their own traffic.

Turning to FIG. 4, with respect to local manager selection, as describedherein, V2X UEs may be associated with a local manager (e.g., V2X UE402(0)) that assists with discovery and provides resource allocation,scheduling, and link adaptation feedback to other V2X UES, e.g., 402(1)and V2X 402(2). The association of the V2X UEs, e.g., 402(1) and 402(2)with a local manager (e.g., V2X UE 402(0)) may be provided directly bythe local manager through a distributed procedure, or can be centrallydetermined and configured by a network 404 (as represented via thedashed arrows). In one example implementation, the configuration ofparameters P0-P2 related to local manager association may be provided bycontrol signaling on a cellular link (e.g. LTE or NR sub6-GHz carrier).Example parameters may include, but are not limited to, measurementresources for local manager discovery, thresholds for local managerselection, synchronization and timing assistance parameters, IDs ofcandidate local managers (e.g. RNTI or SL-RNTI), timers associated withlocal manager association durations, and a list of associated V2X UEsfor a given local manager or V2X UEs which can be reached for broadcast,groupcast, or unicast communication over sidelink, e.g., V2X UE 402(0)or V2X IDs (e.g. RNTI or SL-RNTI). This information may be provided bysystem-information signaling or by dedicated (e.g. RRC, described below)signaling to V2X UEs.

Additionally, the network 404 may request reports (e.g., R0 and R2)comprising radio measurements or other feedback periodically from one ormore local managers or candidate local managers, such as sidelinkcapability data (e.g., hardware such as number of antennas/panels,supported data rates, maximum number of supportable UEs, battery/powerconsumption metrics and so on), and/or V2X service availability (e.g.,support for sensor processing, local breakout, latency budget and soon). Based on the reports, the network 404 may assign one or morecandidate V2X UEs to be local managers (e.g., one local manager pergroup of one or more UEs), as well as determine association of regularV2X UEs to a given local manager. For example, the network may determinelocal managers and UE association based on metrics that tend to maximizesidelink spectral efficiency or coverage, ensure QoS, or based onlocation/velocity characteristics.

In another example, V2X UEs (e.g., 402(1) and 402(2)) may request aspecific local manager association or to change a current association.The network 404 may further utilize reports related to the sidelinkperformance via control signaling on the MCG from V2X UEs, includingmobility, channel, and location measurements, buffer status reports, andthroughput statistics.

Turning to aspects related to radio resource configuration, in anotherexample generally represented in FIG. 5, the time/frequency resources ona carrier may be partitioned between sidelink communications andcellular communications, as represented via blocks of parameters510-513. If so, the V2X UE or UEs (e.g., 502(1) and 502(2)) are informedof the set of resources, e.g., for sidelink transmission/reception,based on control plane signaling provided by the network 504. A singlebroadcast message can provide the resource configuration information.Furthermore, the configuration of physical and higher layer parametersmay be via a system information broadcast (e.g. SIB). In order tosupport efficient configuration of such parameters (on LTE or NRcellular carrier), a dedicated SIB message SIB V2X may be transmitted,which only V2X node UEs are configured to receive and utilize. In analternative example, these parameters may be provided by higher layersignaling (e.g. RRC) in order to provide V2X UE-specific configuration.

The parameters 510-513 provided for V2X configuration may include a listof valid carriers/bandwidth parts for sidelink operation, slot patternsfor TDM of sidelink resources, transmit power (control) parameters,and/or timing or synchronization reference signals.

In another example a UE (e.g., 502(1)) may request (block 520) areconfiguration of the V2X parameters due to a change in servicerequirements, UE mobility, or other factors.

As shown and described above with reference to FIG. 1, differentcombinations of frequency carriers, cellular/sidelink interfaces, and/orservices can be provided for a specific V2X UE at a given time. Theprimary control carrier (e.g. MCG) can be responsible for configuring agiven combination at a specific instance (e.g. via RRC reconfigurationsignaling). For example, a UE may wish to perform both cellular anddirect communication on a given NR carrier. However, it may not be ableto do so simultaneously, in which event the network may configure oneservice with a higher priority, or may indicate a time-divisionmultiplexing switching pattern between the two services (e.g. cellularSCG and sidelink SCG).

As generally represented in FIG. 6, aspects of the framework can berelated to mobility and measurements. Such aspects of the frameworkallow the system to perform V2X discovery, association andcommunication. For example, mobility and measurement data, e.g.,comprising measurements of sidelink quality along with other metrics(e.g. traffic load, latency, etc.) may be performed and exchanged acrossV2X UEs. However, with a multi-connectivity framework, theconfiguration, triggering, and exchange of CSI/RRM mobility andmeasurement data (blocks 620 and 622) can be provided by the V2X UEs602(1) and 602(2) to a network 604 over the sub6-GHz anchor carrierinstead of over the sidelink-associated carrier. This is beneficial inthat doing so reduces the overhead of such signaling, as well as toenable global aggregation of measurements across multiple V2X UEs 602(1)and 602(2) at a centralized route management entity (e.g. co-locatedwith LTE eNB/NR gNB-CU). These measurement exchanges may be part of thenormal access UE measurement and reporting framework, or may involvespecialized signaling only for V2X UEs with independent configuration ofmeasurement and reporting parameters to support sidelink-specificmeasurement aggregation and events. In one example implementation, thesidelink measurements may be reported for individual V2X UEs or for agroup of V2X UEs and associated with direct or broadcast communication,respectively; note that the dashed curved arrow in FIG. 6 represents theoption of V2X UE 602(2)'s direct communication with the network 604,which can instead be performed by a group of V2X UEs, e.g., by havingV2X UE 602(1) report mobility and measurement data as a local managerfor the group.

Communication over the sub6-GHz anchor carrier links may also includethe reporting of beam failure events, to assist in fast reconfigurationof beam management or local manager association parameters which may notbe applicable for regular access UEs. This sub6-GHz anchor carrierreporting allows reestablishing a link or establishing a new linkcorresponding to a beam that failed.

In addition, the measurement framework can support V2X services evenwhen the cellular network 604 is undergoing mobility events, by keepingthe V2X communications active while the sub6-GHz carrier is performingthe mobility-related procedure such as handover or SCG change. Forexample, a handover on sub6-GHz LTE or NR carrier may not result in achange in the local manager. UEs can continue to communicate oversidelink even while one (or both) of the UEs are undergoing a handoverprocedure. Additionally, even if radio link failure events occur on oneor more of the cellular carriers, the V2X communications may remainongoing under the existing configuration until the network connection isre-established.

In another example, in case of sidelink-related communication issues(e.g., blockage or link failures) the V2X UE(s) may inform the networkvia the MCG or control-plane anchor carrier about the situation andrequest a reconfiguration of the V2X-related parameters andconfigurations.

In another aspect of the framework related to group communication andvehicular platooning support, as generally represented in FIG. 7, theV2X multi-connectivity framework described herein can be used to improve(and possibly optimize) the performance of different vehiclecommunication services. For example, communication between a group 770of vehicles (V2X OEs 702(1)-702(2) can be facilitated by the network toimprove the resource allocation and user association via the controlsignaling anchor carrier, while the data plane traffic is carried oversidelink.

One desirable example of group communication is vehicular platooning, inwhich a set of vehicles are linked together and typically coordinate viavehicle-to-vehicle communication. In one example implementation, themulti-connectivity framework described herein can facilitate theexchange of trajectory/speed/sensor data (e.g., GPS s/vehicle statusinformation/video/RADAR/LIDAR etc.) from the platoon to the network viathe control signaling anchor carrier, which can be further connectedwith a vehicle platoon management entity at the network access point orcentralized in the core network. This allows possibly complexcoordination and the like to be performed by the network, with theresults returned to the vehicle platoon management entity, rather thanperform the coordination computations and the like in the platoon.

Turning to V2X configuration and local manager association operations,FIG. 8 exemplifies an overall procedure for establishing V2Xconnectivity utilizing control plane signaling and configuration fromthe cellular network. In a first phase, the V2X UEs 802(0)-802(2)perform (e.g., normal) cellular initial access and connectionestablishment with the network device 804 (e.g., gNB) on an LTE or NRcellular carrier.

In another phase, after the cellular link is established, the V2X UEs802(0)-802(2) indicate a request for a V2X configuration, and canoptionally request to be authorized to act as local managers. In theexample of FIG. 8, the V2X UEs 802(0) and 802(1) request V2Xconfiguration and local manager establishment, while the V2X UEs 802(2)only requests V2X configuration. The network determines whether the V2XUEs are authorized for direct communication and for those requestinglocal manager establishment, whether each can act as a local managers.

In the example of FIG. 8, the V2X UEs 802(0)-802(2) each receivecorresponding configuration data, while the V2X UE 802(0) also receiveslocal manager establishment, and the V2X UE 802(1) also receives localmanager rejection. In this way, the V2X UE 802(0) becomes a localmanager.

In another phase, the local manager(s), in this example only the V2X UE802(0), begins broadcasting sidelink discovery signals (SL-DRS)according to the appropriate configuration provided by the network. Thesidelink discovery signals are detected and measured by the other V2XUEs 802(1) and 802(2), which in response, return SL-DRS reports to thenetwork device 804. The SL-DRS reports are provided to the networkdevice 804in order to determine appropriate association of the V2X UEswith local managers. As further represented in FIG. 8, this associationis informed to the UEs via control signaling on the cellular link (e.g.sub6-GHz anchor carrier).

After the association is established, which in this example associatethe V2X UEs 802(1) and 802(2) with the local manager V2X UE 802(0), theV2X UEs may engage in direct communication based on the resourceallocation/scheduling provided by their respective local manager 802(0).

FIG. 9 represents general, example operations of a network device of awireless network. Operation 902 represents facilitating, by the networkdevice, communicating control information to a first UE via a firstfrequency range carrier. Operation 904 represents facilitating, by thenetwork device, configuring the first UE to use a second frequency rangecarrier for cellular data communications with network devices of thewireless network. Operation 906 represents facilitating, by the networkdevice, configuring the first UE to use the second frequency rangecarrier for direct communications (e.g., via sidelink, rather thanthrough the network) between the first UE and a second UE.

The control information can be first control information, and furtheraspects can comprise facilitating, by the network device, communicatingsecond control information via the first frequency range carrier thatfacilitates reconfiguring the first UE to use the first frequency rangecarrier for the direct communications between the first UE and thesecond UE.

The control information can be first control information, and furtheraspects can comprise facilitating, by the network device, communicatingsecond control information via the first frequency range carrier thatfacilitates reconfiguring the first UE to use the first frequency rangecarrier for the cellular data communications with the wireless network.

The direct communications can be first direct communications, andfurther aspects can comprise facilitating, by the network device,communicating, via the first frequency range carrier, with the second UEto authorize a third UE for second direct communications between thethird UE and the first UE.

The control information can be first control information, and furtheraspects can comprise facilitating, by the network device, second controlinformation via the first frequency range carrier, wherein the secondcontrol information facilitates selecting the first UE as a localmanager with respect to management of the direct communications betweenthe first UE and the second UE.

The control information can be first control information, and furtheraspects can comprise facilitating, by the network device, communicatingsecond control information via the first frequency range carrier,wherein the second control information facilitates partitioningresources of the first UE between the cellular data communications withthe wireless network, and the direct communications between the first UEand the second UE.

Further aspects can comprise facilitating, by the network device,receiving, via the first frequency range carrier, measurementinformation from the first UE. The direct communications can be firstdirect communications, the control information can be first controlinformation, and further aspects can comprise facilitating, by thenetwork device, receiving, via the first frequency range carrier, groupinformation corresponding to a group of members comprising the first UEand the second UE, and facilitating, by the network device,communicating second control information via the first frequency rangecarrier that facilitates allocating resources of the group to coordinatesecond direct communications between the members of the group.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example block diagram illustrating exampleoperations of a V2X multi-connectivity UE 1002, e.g., comprising aprocessor and a memory that stores executable instructions that, whenexecuted by the processor, facilitate performance of the operations.Operation 1002 represents connecting to a network device of a wirelessnetwork via a first frequency range carrier. Operation 1004 representsreceiving control information from the network device via the firstfrequency range carrier. Operation 1006 represents, in response to thereceiving the control information, configuring the first UE to use asecond frequency range carrier for cellular data communications withnetwork devices of the wireless network, wherein the second frequencyrange carrier is different than the first frequency range carrier, andconfiguring the first UE for direct communications with a second UE.

Further operations can comprise operating the first UE in a connectedmode with respect to the cellular data communications, and transitioningfrom the connected mode to a mode in which the UE is not active withrespect to the cellular data communications and is active with respectto the direct communications between the first UE and the second UE.

Further operations can comprise, operating the first UE as a localmanager with respect to managing the direct communications between thefirst UE and the second UE, and communicating local manager information,generated by the local manager, to the network device via the firstfrequency range carrier. Communicating the local manager informationwith the network device via the first frequency range carrier cancomprise communicating local manager capability data to the networkdevice representative of at least one capability of the local manager.Operating the first UE as the local manager with respect to the managingof the direct communications between the first UE and the second UE cancomprise relaying data of the second UE via the second frequency rangecarrier.

The first UE and the second UE can be comprised in a group of members,and further operations can comprise, transmitting, by the UE to thenetwork device via the first frequency range carrier, group informationto coordinate direct communication between the members of the group.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example flow diagram of network deviceoperations, e.g., embodied as instructions executable by a processor, inaccordance with various aspects and implementations of the subjectdisclosure. Operation 1002 represents communicating control informationto a first UE over a first frequency range carrier. Operation 1004represents facilitating configuring the first UE to use a secondfrequency range carrier for cellular data communications with thenetwork devices of the wireless network. Operation 1006 representsfacilitating configuring the first UE for direct communications betweenthe first UE and a second UE

Facilitating the configuring of the first UE for the directcommunications between the first UE and the second UE can compriseconfiguring the first UE to use the first frequency range carrier forthe direct communications between the first UE and the second UE.

Facilitating the configuring of the first UE for the directcommunications between the first UE and the second UE can compriseconfiguring the first UE to use the second frequency range carrier forthe direct communications between the first UE and the second UE.

Further operations can comprise, receiving local manager capability dataover the first frequency range carrier from the first UE, and based onthe local manager capability data, selecting the first UE as a localmanager with respect to managing the direct communications between thefirst UE and the second UE.

Further operations can comprise, communicating further controlinformation over the first frequency range carrier that facilitatespartitioning resources of the first UE between the cellular datacommunications with the wireless network, and the direct communicationsbetween the first UE and the second UE.

Further operations can comprise, receiving, over the first frequencyrange carrier, group information corresponding to a group of memberscomprising the first UE and the second UE, and communicating furthercontrol information over the first frequency range carrier thatfacilitates allocating resources of the group to coordinate directcommunication between the members of the group.

As can be seen, the technology described herein provides for increasedrobustness and reduced latency of initial access and V2X configurationwhen control plane and mobility signaling is provided over a sub6-GHzanchor link via multi-connectivity, (compared to a standalonearchitecture), in which V2X-capable UEs provide initial access, IDLEmode, control plane, and mobility functionality. The technologyfacilitates reduced overhead on mmWave backhaul links multiplexingcellular and V2X traffic (of one or more bands) by utilizing sub 6-GHzchannels for control plane signaling instead of multiplexing bothcontrol and data links on mmWave bands. Still further, the technologydescribed herein provides the ability to efficiently perform localmanager configuration and association based on measurements/reportsrelated to sidelink link quality metrics over sub6-GHz channels moreefficiently than over the NR mmWave backhaul links. The technologydescribed herein enables support for simultaneous cellular communicationwith a network infrastructure, in addition to V2X direct communicationservices on the same or different carriers.

Referring now to FIG. 12, illustrated is an example block diagram of anexample mobile handset 1200 operable to engage in a system architecturethat facilitates wireless communications according to one or moreembodiments described herein. Although a mobile handset is illustratedherein, it will be understood that other devices can be a mobile device,and that the mobile handset is merely illustrated to provide context forthe embodiments of the various embodiments described herein. Thefollowing discussion is intended to provide a brief, general descriptionof an example of a suitable environment in which the various embodimentscan be implemented. While the description includes a general context ofcomputer-executable instructions embodied on a machine-readable storagemedium, those skilled in the art will recognize that the innovation alsocan be implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as acombination of hardware and software.

Generally, applications (e.g., program modules) can include routines,programs, components, data structures, etc., that perform particulartasks or implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the methods described herein canbe practiced with other system configurations, includingsingle-processor or multiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframecomputers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing devices,microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, and the like,each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associateddevices

A computing device can typically include a variety of machine-readablemedia. Machine-readable media can be any available media that can beaccessed by the computer and includes both volatile and non-volatilemedia, removable and non-removable media. By way of example and notlimitation, computer-readable media can comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media can include volatileand/or non-volatile media, removable and/or non-removable mediaimplemented in any method or technology for storage of information, suchas computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, orother data. Computer storage media can include, but is not limited to,RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, solid statedrive (SSD) or other solid-state storage technology, Compact Disk ReadOnly Memory (CD ROM), digital video disk (DVD), Blu-ray disk, or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed bythe computer. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or “non-transitory”herein as applied to storage, memory or computer-readable media, are tobe understood to exclude only propagating transitory signals per se asmodifiers and do not relinquish rights to all standard storage, memoryor computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitorysignals per se.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of the anyof the above should also be included within the scope ofcomputer-readable media

The handset includes a processor 1202 for controlling and processing allonboard operations and functions. A memory 1204 interfaces to theprocessor 1202 for storage of data and one or more applications 1206(e.g., a video player software, user feedback component software, etc.).Other applications can include voice recognition of predetermined voicecommands that facilitate initiation of the user feedback signals. Theapplications 1206 can be stored in the memory 1204 and/or in a firmware1208, and executed by the processor 1202 from either or both the memory1204 or/and the firmware 1208. The firmware 1208 can also store startupcode for execution in initializing the handset 1200. A communicationscomponent 1210 interfaces to the processor 1202 to facilitatewired/wireless communication with external systems, e.g., cellularnetworks, VoIP networks, and so on. Here, the communications component1210 can also include a suitable cellular transceiver 1211 (e.g., a GSMtransceiver) and/or an unlicensed transceiver 1213 (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax)for corresponding signal communications. The handset 1200 can be adevice such as a cellular telephone, a PDA with mobile communicationscapabilities, and messaging-centric devices. The communicationscomponent 1210 also facilitates communications reception fromterrestrial radio networks (e.g., broadcast), digital satellite radionetworks, and Internet-based radio services networks

The handset 1200 includes a display 1212 for displaying text, images,video, telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID function), setupfunctions, and for user input. For example, the display 1212 can also bereferred to as a “screen” that can accommodate the presentation ofmultimedia content (e.g., music metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics,etc.). The display 1212 can also display videos and can facilitate thegeneration, editing and sharing of video quotes. A serial I/O interface1214 is provided in communication with the processor 1202 to facilitatewired and/or wireless serial communications (e.g., USB, and/or IEEE1294) through a hardwire connection, and other serial input devices(e.g., a keyboard, keypad, and mouse). This supports updating andtroubleshooting the handset 1200, for example. Audio capabilities areprovided with an audio I/O component 1216, which can include a speakerfor the output of audio signals related to, for example, indication thatthe user pressed the proper key or key combination to initiate the userfeedback signal. The audio I/O component 1216 also facilitates the inputof audio signals through a microphone to record data and/or telephonyvoice data, and for inputting voice signals for telephone conversations.

The handset 1200 can include a slot interface 1218 for accommodating aSIC (Subscriber Identity Component) in the form factor of a cardSubscriber Identity Module (SIM) or universal SIM 1220, and interfacingthe SIM card 1220 with the processor 1202. However, it is to beappreciated that the SIM card 1220 can be manufactured into the handset1200, and updated by downloading data and software.

The handset 1200 can process IP data traffic through the communicationscomponent 1210 to accommodate IP traffic from an IP network such as, forexample, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a home network, a personarea network, etc., through an ISP or broadband cable provider. Thus,VoIP traffic can be utilized by the handset 1200 and IP-based multimediacontent can be received in either an encoded or a decoded format.

A video processing component 1222 (e.g., a camera) can be provided fordecoding encoded multimedia content. The video processing component 1222can aid in facilitating the generation, editing, and sharing of videoquotes. The handset 1200 also includes a power source 1224 in the formof batteries and/or an AC power subsystem, which power source 1224 caninterface to an external power system or charging equipment (not shown)by a power I/O component 1226.

The handset 1200 can also include a video component 1230 for processingvideo content received and, for recording and transmitting videocontent. For example, the video component 1230 can facilitate thegeneration, editing and sharing of video quotes. A location trackingcomponent 1232 facilitates geographically locating the handset 1200. Asdescribed hereinabove, this can occur when the user initiates thefeedback signal automatically or manually. A user input component 1234facilitates the user initiating the quality feedback signal. The userinput component 1234 can also facilitate the generation, editing andsharing of video quotes. The user input component 1234 can include suchconventional input device technologies such as a keypad, keyboard,mouse, stylus pen, and/or touch screen, for example.

Referring again to the applications 1206, a hysteresis component 1236facilitates the analysis and processing of hysteresis data, which isutilized to determine when to associate with the access point. Asoftware trigger component 1238 can be provided that facilitatestriggering of the hysteresis component 1236 when the Wi-Fi transceiver1213 detects the beacon of the access point. A SIP client 1240 enablesthe handset 1200 to support SIP protocols and register the subscriberwith the SIP registrar server. The applications 1206 can also include aclient 1242 that provides at least the capability of discovery, play andstore of multimedia content, for example, music.

The handset 1200, as indicated above related to the communicationscomponent 1210, includes an indoor network radio transceiver 1213 (e.g.,Wi-Fi transceiver). This function supports the indoor radio link, suchas IEEE 802.11, for the dual-mode GSM handset 1200. The handset 1200 canaccommodate at least satellite radio services through a handset that cancombine wireless voice and digital radio chipsets into a single handhelddevice.

Referring now to FIG. 13, illustrated is an example block diagram of anexample computer 1300 operable to engage in a system architecture thatfacilitates wireless communications according to one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. The computer 1300 can provide networking andcommunication capabilities between a wired or wireless communicationnetwork and a server (e.g., Microsoft server) and/or communicationdevice. In order to provide additional context for various aspectsthereof, FIG. 13 and the following discussion are intended to provide abrief, general description of a suitable computing environment in whichthe various aspects of the innovation can be implemented to facilitatethe establishment of a transaction between an entity and a third party.While the description above is in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,those skilled in the art will recognize that the innovation also can beimplemented in combination with other program modules and/or as acombination of hardware and software.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the various methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, including single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

The illustrated aspects of the innovation can also be practiced indistributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed byremote processing devices that are linked through a communicationsnetwork. In a distributed computing environment, program modules can belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which caninclude computer-readable storage media or communications media, whichtwo terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.

Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media can include,but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical diskstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and/or non-transitorymedia which can be used to store desired information. Computer-readablestorage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computingdevices, e.g., via access requests, queries or other data retrievalprotocols, for a variety of operations with respect to the informationstored by the medium.

Communications media can embody computer-readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other structured or unstructured data ina data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave orother transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery ortransport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refers to asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By way ofexample, and not limitation, communication media include wired media,such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

The techniques described herein can be applied to any device or set ofdevices (machines) capable of running programs and processes. It can beunderstood, therefore, that servers including physical and/or virtualmachines, personal computers, laptops, handheld, portable and othercomputing devices and computing objects of all kinds including cellphones, tablet/slate computers, gaming/entertainment consoles and thelike are contemplated for use in connection with various implementationsincluding those exemplified herein. Accordingly, the general purposecomputing mechanism described below with reference to FIG. 13 is but oneexample of a computing device.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 13 and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” “data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory 1320 (see below), non-volatile memory 1322 (see below), diskstorage 1324 (see below), and memory storage 1346 (see below). Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory caninclude random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cache memory.By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in manyforms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronousDRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM(ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, includingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, watch, tablet computers, netbookcomputers, . . . ), microprocessor-based or programmable consumer orindustrial electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects can alsobe practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network; however, some if not all aspects of the subjectdisclosure can be practiced on stand-alone computers. In a distributedcomputing environment, program modules can be located in both local andremote memory storage devices.

FIG. 13 illustrates a block diagram of a computing system 1300 operableto execute the disclosed systems and methods in accordance with anembodiment. Computer 1312, which can be, for example, part of thehardware of system 1320, includes a processing unit 1314, a systemmemory 1316, and a system bus 1318. System bus 1318 couples systemcomponents including, but not limited to, system memory 1316 toprocessing unit 1314. Processing unit 1314 can be any of variousavailable processors. Dual microprocessors and other multiprocessorarchitectures also can be employed as processing unit 1314.

System bus 1318 can be any of several types of bus structure(s)including a memory bus or a memory controller, a peripheral bus or anexternal bus, and/or a local bus using any variety of available busarchitectures including, but not limited to, Industrial StandardArchitecture (ISA), Micro-Channel Architecture (MSA), Extended ISA(EISA), Intelligent Drive Electronics , VESA Local Bus (VLB), PeripheralComponent Interconnect (PCI), Card Bus, Universal Serial Bus (USB),Advanced Graphics Port (AGP), Personal Computer Memory CardInternational Association bus (PCMCIA), Firewire (IEEE 1394), and SmallComputer Systems Interface (SCSI).

System memory 1316 can include volatile memory 1320 and nonvolatilememory 1322. A basic input/output system (BIOS), containing routines totransfer information between elements within computer 1312, such asduring start-up, can be stored in nonvolatile memory 1322. By way ofillustration, and not limitation, nonvolatile memory 1322 can includeROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory. Volatile memory 1320 includesRAM, which acts as external cache memory. By way of illustration and notlimitation, RAM is available in many forms such as SRAM, dynamic RAM(DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM),enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), Rambus direct RAM(RDRAM), direct Rambus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and Rambus dynamic RAM(RDRAM).

Computer 1312 can also include removable/non-removable,volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. FIG. 13 illustrates, forexample, disk storage 1324. Disk storage 1324 includes, but is notlimited to, devices like a magnetic disk drive, floppy disk drive, tapedrive, flash memory card, or memory stick. In addition, disk storage1324 can include storage media separately or in combination with otherstorage media including, but not limited to, an optical disk drive suchas a compact disk ROM device (CD-ROM), CD recordable drive (CD-R Drive),CD rewritable drive (CD-RW Drive) or a digital versatile disk ROM drive(DVD-ROM). To facilitate connection of the disk storage devices 1324 tosystem bus 1318, a removable or non-removable interface is typicallyused, such as interface 1326.

Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which caninclude computer-readable storage media or communications media, whichtwo terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.

Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and includes both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structureddata, or unstructured data. Computer-readable storage media can include,but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory(ROM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM),flash memory or other memory technology, solid state drive (SSD) orother solid-state storage technology, compact disk read only memory (CDROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disc or other optical diskstorage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage orother magnetic storage devices or other tangible and/or non-transitorymedia which can be used to store desired information. In this regard,the terms “tangible” or “non-transitory” herein as applied to storage,memory or computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se. In an aspect,tangible media can include non-transitory media wherein the term“non-transitory” herein as may be applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, is to be understood to exclude only propagatingtransitory signals per se as a modifier and does not relinquish coverageof all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media that are notonly propagating transitory signals per se. For the avoidance of doubt,the term “computer-readable storage device” is used and defined hereinto exclude transitory media. Computer-readable storage media can beaccessed by one or more local or remote computing devices, e.g., viaaccess requests, queries or other data retrieval protocols, for avariety of operations with respect to the information stored by themedium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information deliveryor transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signals refersto a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changedin such a manner as to encode information in one or more signals. By wayof example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media,such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.

It can be noted that FIG. 13 describes software that acts as anintermediary between users and computer resources described in suitableoperating environment 1300. Such software includes an operating system1328. Operating system 1328, which can be stored on disk storage 1324,acts to control and allocate resources of computer system 1312. Systemapplications 1330 take advantage of the management of resources byoperating system 1328 through program modules 1332 and program data 1334stored either in system memory 1316 or on disk storage 1324. It is to benoted that the disclosed subject matter can be implemented with variousoperating systems or combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands or information into computer 1312 throughinput device(s) 1336. As an example, a mobile device and/or portabledevice can include a user interface embodied in a touch sensitivedisplay panel allowing a user to interact with computer 1312. Inputdevices 1336 include, but are not limited to, a pointing device such asa mouse, trackball, stylus, touch pad, keyboard, microphone, joystick,game pad, satellite dish, scanner, TV tuner card, digital camera,digital video camera, web camera, cell phone, smartphone, tabletcomputer, etc. These and other input devices connect to processing unit1314 through system bus 1318 by way of interface port(s) 1338. Interfaceport(s) 1338 include, for example, a serial port, a parallel port, agame port, a universal serial bus (USB), an infrared port, a Bluetoothport, an IP port, or a logical port associated with a wireless service,etc. Output device(s) 1340 and a move use some of the same type of portsas input device(s) 1336.

Thus, for example, a USB port can be used to provide input to computer1312 and to output information from computer 1312 to an output device1340. Output adapter 1342 is provided to illustrate that there are someoutput devices 1340 like monitors, speakers, and printers, among otheroutput devices 1340, which use special adapters. Output adapters 1342include, by way of illustration and not limitation, video and soundcards that provide means of connection between output device 1340 andsystem bus 1318. It should be noted that other devices and/or systems ofdevices provide both input and output capabilities such as remotecomputer(s) 1344.

Computer 1312 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer(s)1344. Remote computer(s) 1344 can be a personal computer, a server, arouter, a network PC, cloud storage, cloud service, a workstation, amicroprocessor based appliance, a peer device, or other common networknode and the like, and typically includes many or all of the elementsdescribed relative to computer 1312.

For purposes of brevity, only a memory storage device 1346 isillustrated with remote computer(s) 1344. Remote computer(s) 1344 islogically connected to computer 1312 through a network interface 1348and then physically connected by way of communication connection 1350.Network interface 1348 encompasses wire and/or wireless communicationnetworks such as local-area networks (LAN) and wide-area networks (WAN).LAN technologies include Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), CopperDistributed Data Interface (CDDI), Ethernet, Token Ring and the like.WAN technologies include, but are not limited to, point-to-point links,circuit-switching networks like Integrated Services Digital Networks(ISDN) and variations thereon, packet switching networks, and DigitalSubscriber Lines (DSL). As noted below, wireless technologies may beused in addition to or in place of the foregoing.

Communication connection(s) 1350 refer(s) to hardware/software employedto connect network interface 1348 to bus 1318. While communicationconnection 1350 is shown for illustrative clarity inside computer 1312,it can also be external to computer 1312. The hardware/software forconnection to network interface 1348 can include, for example, internaland external technologies such as modems, including regular telephonegrade modems, cable modems and DSL modems, ISDN adapters, and Ethernetcards.

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subjectdisclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intendedto be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the preciseforms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are describedherein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possiblethat are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples,as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize.

In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter has been described inconnection with various embodiments and corresponding Figures, whereapplicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can beused or modifications and additions can be made to the describedembodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitutefunction of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom.Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to anysingle embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed inbreadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.

As it employed in the subject specification, the term “processor” canrefer to substantially any computing processing unit or devicecomprising, but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;single-processors with software multithread execution capability;multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software multithreadexecution capability; multi-core processors with hardware multithreadtechnology; parallel platforms; and parallel platforms with distributedshared memory. Additionally, a processor can refer to an integratedcircuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), aprogrammable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device(CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures suchas, but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhanceperformance of user equipment. A processor may also be implemented as acombination of computing processing units.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” “data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

As used in this application, the terms “component,” “system,”“platform,” “layer,” “selector,” “interface,” and the like are intendedto refer to a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program,and/or a computer. By way of illustration and not limitation, both anapplication running on a server and the server can be a component. Oneor more components may reside within a process and/or thread ofexecution and a component may be localized on one computer and/ordistributed between two or more computers. In addition, these componentscan execute from various computer readable media, device readablestorage devices, or machine readable media having various datastructures stored thereon. The components may communicate via localand/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having oneor more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting withanother component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across anetwork such as the Internet with other systems via the signal). Asanother example, a component can be an apparatus with specificfunctionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric orelectronic circuitry, which is operated by a software or firmwareapplication executed by a processor, wherein the processor can beinternal or external to the apparatus and executes at least a part ofthe software or firmware application. As yet another example, acomponent can be an apparatus that provides specific functionalitythrough electronic components without mechanical parts, the electroniccomponents can include a processor therein to execute software orfirmware that confers at least in part the functionality of theelectronic components.

In addition, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” ratherthan an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clearfrom context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the naturalinclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or Xemploys both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any ofthe foregoing instances. Moreover, articles “a” and “an” as used in thesubject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construedto mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from contextto be directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms like “user equipment (UE),” “mobile station,” “mobile,”“subscriber station,” “subscriber equipment,” “access terminal,”“terminal,” “handset,” and similar terminology, refer to a wirelessdevice utilized by a subscriber or user of a wireless communicationservice to receive or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming,or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoingterms are utilized interchangeably in the subject specification andrelated drawings. Likewise, the terms “access point (AP),” “basestation,” “NodeB,” “evolved Node B (eNodeB),” “home Node B (HNB),” “homeaccess point (HAP),” “cell device,” “sector,” “cell,” and the like, areutilized interchangeably in the subject application, and refer to awireless network component or appliance that serves and receives data,control, voice, video, sound, gaming, or substantially any data-streamor signaling-stream to and from a set of subscriber stations or providerenabled devices. Data and signaling streams can include packetized orframe-based flows.

Additionally, the terms “core-network”, “core”, “core carrier network”,“carrier-side”, or similar terms can refer to components of atelecommunications network that typically provides some or all ofaggregation, authentication, call control and switching, charging,service invocation, or gateways. Aggregation can refer to the highestlevel of aggregation in a service provider network wherein the nextlevel in the hierarchy under the core nodes is the distribution networksand then the edge networks. UEs do not normally connect directly to thecore networks of a large service provider but can be routed to the coreby way of a switch or radio area network. Authentication can refer todeterminations regarding whether the user requesting a service from thetelecom network is authorized to do so within this network or not. Callcontrol and switching can refer determinations related to the futurecourse of a call stream across carrier equipment based on the callsignal processing. Charging can be related to the collation andprocessing of charging data generated by various network nodes. Twocommon types of charging mechanisms found in present day networks can beprepaid charging and postpaid charging. Service invocation can occurbased on some explicit action (e.g. call transfer) or implicitly (e.g.,call waiting). It is to be noted that service “execution” may or may notbe a core network functionality as third party network/nodes may takepart in actual service execution. A gateway can be present in the corenetwork to access other networks. Gateway functionality can be dependenton the type of the interface with another network.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer,”“prosumer,” “agent,” and the like are employed interchangeablythroughout the subject specification, unless context warrants particulardistinction(s) among the terms. It should be appreciated that such termscan refer to human entities or automated components (e.g., supportedthrough artificial intelligence, as through a capacity to makeinferences based on complex mathematical formalisms), that can providesimulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

Aspects, features, or advantages of the subject matter can be exploitedin substantially any, or any, wired, broadcast, wirelesstelecommunication, radio technology or network, or combinations thereof.Non-limiting examples of such technologies or networks include Geocasttechnology; broadcast technologies (e.g., sub-Hz, ELF, VLF, LF, MF, HF,VHF, UHF, SHF, THz broadcasts, etc.); Ethernet; X.25; powerline-typenetworking (e.g., PowerLine AV Ethernet, etc.); femto-cell technology;Wi-Fi; Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX); EnhancedGeneral Packet Radio Service (Enhanced GPRS); Third GenerationPartnership Project (3GPP or 3G) Long Term Evolution (LTE); 3GPPUniversal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) or 3GPP UMTS; ThirdGeneration Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2) Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB);High Speed Packet Access (HSPA); High Speed Downlink Packet Access(HSDPA); High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA); GSM Enhanced DataRates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) Radio Access Network (RAN) or GERAN; UMTSTerrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN); or LTE Advanced.

What has been described above includes examples of systems and methodsillustrative of the disclosed subject matter. It is, of course, notpossible to describe every combination of components or methods herein.One of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many furthercombinations and permutations of the disclosure are possible.Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,”“possesses,” and the like are used in the detailed description, claims,appendices and drawings such terms are intended to be inclusive in amanner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpretedwhen employed as a transitional word in a claim.

While the various embodiments are susceptible to various modificationsand alternative constructions, certain illustrated implementationsthereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above indetail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention tolimit the various embodiments to the specific forms disclosed, but onthe contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternativeconstructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope ofthe various embodiments.

In addition to the various implementations described herein, it is to beunderstood that other similar implementations can be used ormodifications and additions can be made to the describedimplementation(s) for performing the same or equivalent function of thecorresponding implementation(s) without deviating therefrom. Stillfurther, multiple processing chips or multiple devices can share theperformance of one or more functions described herein, and similarly,storage can be effected across a plurality of devices. Accordingly, thevarious embodiments are not to be limited to any single implementation,but rather are to be construed in breadth, spirit and scope inaccordance with the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. Network equipment, comprising: a processor; and amemory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessor, facilitate performance of operations, the operationscomprising: communicating control information to a first user equipmentusing a first frequency range carrier via a first communicationconnection with the first user equipment, wherein the controlinformation facilitates configuration of the first user equipment to:use a second frequency range carrier via a second communicationconnection for cellular data communications, use the second frequencyrange carrier via a third communication connection for directcommunications between the first user equipment and a second userequipment, and maintain the first communication connection, the secondcommunication connection, and the third communication connectionconcurrently, wherein a first frequency range of the first frequencyrange carrier comprises a sub-6 GHz frequency range and a secondfrequency range of the second frequency range carrier comprises amillimeter wave frequency range.
 2. The network equipment of claim 1,wherein the control information is first control information, and theoperations further comprise: communicating second control informationusing the first frequency range carrier, wherein the second controlinformation facilitates reconfiguration of the first user equipment touse the first frequency range carrier for the direct communicationsbetween the first user equipment and the second user equipment.
 3. Thenetwork equipment of claim 1, wherein the control information is firstcontrol information, and the operations further comprise: communicatingsecond control information using the first frequency range carrier,wherein the second control information facilitates reconfiguration ofthe first user equipment to use the first frequency range carrier forthe cellular data communications with the network equipment.
 4. Thenetwork equipment of claim 1, wherein the direct communications arefirst direct communications, and the operations further comprise:communicating, using the first frequency range carrier, with the seconduser equipment to authorize a third user equipment for second directcommunications between the third user equipment and the first userequipment.
 5. The network equipment of claim 1, wherein the controlinformation is first control information, and the operations furthercomprise: communicating second control information using the firstfrequency range carrier, wherein the second control informationfacilitates reconfiguration of the first user equipment as a localmanager with respect to management of the direct communications betweenthe first user equipment and the second user equipment.
 6. The networkequipment of claim 1, wherein the control information is first controlinformation, and the operations further comprise: communicating secondcontrol information using the first frequency range carrier, wherein thesecond control information facilitates partitioning of resources of thefirst user equipment between the cellular data communications and thedirect communications.
 7. The network equipment of claim 1, wherein thecontrol information is first control information, and the operationsfurther comprise: configuring, using the second frequency range carrier,the first user equipment with a time-division multiplexing switchingpattern to use for the cellular data communications and the directcommunications.
 8. A method, comprising: receiving, by a first userequipment comprising a processor, from network equipment, controlinformation employing a first frequency range carrier over a firstcommunication connection; and in response to receiving the controlinformation: employing, by the first user equipment, a second frequencyrange carrier over a second communication connection for cellular datacommunications, wherein a second frequency range of the second frequencyrange carrier comprises a millimeter wave frequency range and a firstfrequency range of the first frequency range carrier comprises a sub-6GHz frequency range, employing, by the first user equipment, the secondfrequency range carrier over a third communication connection for directcommunications with a second user equipment, and maintaining, by thefirst user equipment, the first communication connection, the secondcommunication connection, and the third communication connectionconcurrently.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: operating,by the first user equipment, in a connected mode with respect to thecellular data communications, and transitioning, by the first userequipment, from the connected mode to a mode in which the first userequipment is not active with respect to the cellular data communicationsand is active with respect to the direct communications.
 10. The methodof claim 8, further comprising: operating, by the first user equipment,as a local manager with respect to managing the direct communicationsbetween the first user equipment and the second user equipment, andcommunicating, by the first user equipment, local manager information tothe network equipment employing the first frequency range carrier. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein communicating the local managerinformation with the network equipment employing the first frequencyrange carrier comprises communicating local manager capability data, tothe network equipment, representative of at least one capability of thelocal manager.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein operating as thelocal manager with respect to the managing of the direct communicationsbetween the first user equipment and the second user equipment comprisesrelaying data of the second user equipment employing the secondfrequency range carrier.
 13. The method of claim 8, wherein the firstuser equipment and the second user equipment are comprised in a group ofmembers, and further comprising transmitting, by the first userequipment to the network equipment employing the first frequency rangecarrier, group information to coordinate direct communication betweenthe members of the group.
 14. The method of claim 8, employing, by thefirst user equipment, a time-division multiplexing switching pattern forthe cellular data communications and the direct communications.
 15. Anon-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising executableinstructions that, when executed by a processor of a first userequipment, facilitate performance of operations, the operationscomprising: receiving control information from network equipment using afirst frequency range carrier via a first communication connection; andin response to receiving the control information: employing a secondfrequency range carrier via a second communication connection forcellular data communications, wherein a second frequency range of thesecond frequency range carrier comprises a millimeter wave frequencyrange and a first frequency range of the first frequency range carriercomprises a sub-6 GHz frequency range, employing the second frequencyrange carrier via a third communication connection for directcommunications with a second user equipment, and maintaining the firstcommunication connection, the second communication connection, and thethird communication connection concurrently.
 16. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the operations furthercomprise: functioning in a connected mode with respect to the cellulardata communications, and switching from the connected mode to a mode inwhich the first user equipment is not active with respect to thecellular data communications and is active with respect to the directcommunications.
 17. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim15, wherein the operations further comprise: functioning as a localmanager with respect to managing the direct communications between thefirst user equipment and the second user equipment, and sending localmanager information to the network equipment using the first frequencyrange carrier.
 18. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim17, wherein the local manager information comprises local managercapability data representative of a capability of the local manager. 19.The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 17, whereinfunctioning as the local manager with respect to the managing of thedirect communications between the first user equipment and the seconduser equipment comprises relaying data of the second user equipmentusing the second frequency range carrier.
 20. The non-transitorymachine-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the direct communicationsare first direct communications, wherein the first user equipment andthe second user equipment are comprised in a group of user equipment,and wherein the operations further comprise sending, to the networkequipment using the first frequency range carrier, group information tocoordinate second direct communications between the user equipment ofthe group.